May 2019 Auction

Laphroaig 1967 Samaroli 15 Year Old Sherry Wood / Silver Cap

Meetings between the Islay distilleries and the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, have produced an absolutely stellar selection of whisky over the years. No star in this constellation of greats shines quite as brightly however, as the Laphroaig 1967 sherry wood. Revered by whisky connoisseurs the world over, this is generally regarded as the best whisky ever committed to bottle. The bottle is part of the sought after Silver Cap series, which includes another spectacular sherry cask from Tormore. This is also the first appearance of the label used by Samaroli for his Distillery Drawing\" series of Laphroaig releases.

This periodically trades the pole position in WhiskyBase.com's Top 1000 Whiskies of All Time with Samaroli's other Islay epic, the Bowmore 1966 Bouquet. Both of these whiskies are rare gems. Open bottles of both at Singapore's the Auld Alliance Bar in 2016 drew visitors from all over the world for a rare opportunity to sample the liquid gold contained within them. One such lucky individual is Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun.com. His seasoned taste buds were treated to a dram of the Laphroaig at the Lindores Festival in Belgium in 2007, prompting him to award it an absolutely staggering 98 points. Not normally lost for words, all he managed on the subject was: 

\"Nose: even more of everything plus a fantabulously chocolaty and smoky sherry. I’m sorry, the rest will be censored by the anti-maltoporn brigade. Mouth: my god. Finish: my god. Comments: this is why we’re into whisky. We’re approaching perfection here.\" And what else is there to say, really?

The Laphroaig 1967 Samaroli is is an example of two heavyweights of the whisky world at the very top of their game. The 1960's was a golden era in production for many Islay distilleries, with the south-east coast's Laphroaig no exception. Today it is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries with its own in-house malting floor, and this vintage dates to the time when this provided 100% of the malt they used. Modern Laphroaig uses only a small percentage of its own malt, the rest sourced from Port Ellen, making this a truly pure example of what the distillery can produce, and a rare one at that.

While it takes a great distillery to produce a legendary whisky, it equally requires a keen eye, mind and palate to select the right cask, and Samaroli had all of these in spades. Renowned for hand-selecting his own barrels, this one was bottled by the man, widely regarded as a visionary, at the moment his raw talent was crystallising into something spectacular. He released his first bottles in 1979, followed by the acclaimed Flowers series in 1981. Then, just a year later as Samaroli was riding the crest of a wave of excitement and approval, came this, the Laphroaig 1967. The perfect moment. The perfect whisky.

This is bottle number 195 of 720.

Laphroaig 1966 Intertrade 19 Year Old

A spectacular Laphroaig, part of series of similarly labelled releases from Intertrade that contains several sought after 1960s and early 1970s vintages.

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, a contemporary of Silvano Samaroli and Moon Import's Pepi Mongiardino. His company is perhaps less well known than theirs, but bottled some of the most well-regarded and collectible whiskies on the market.

This was distilled in 1966 and bottled at cask strength as a 19 year old.

Bottle 222 of 360.

Laphroaig 1966 Intertrade 19 Year Old

A spectacular Laphroaig, part of series of similarly labelled releases from Intertrade that contains several sought after 1960s and early 1970s vintages.

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, a contemporary of Silvano Samaroli and Moon Import's Pepi Mongiardino. His company is perhaps less well known than theirs, but bottled some of the most well-regarded and collectible whiskies on the market.

This was distilled in 1966 and bottled at cask strength as a 19 year old.

Bottle 262 of 360.

Laphroaig 1970 Gordon and MacPhail Celtic Label / Meregalli Import

An exceptionally rare bottle, this is a 1970 vintage bottling of Laphroaig from Gordon & MacPhail.

This is part of the Celtic Label series, an Italian exclusive range bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for Italian importers Giuseppe Meregalli, Donini and Nadi Fiori's Intertrade.

This is a Meregalli bottling from 1985. They are the current Italian distributors for Gordon & MacPhail and have been since the mid-1980s, meaning most of these Celtic Label bottles were Meregalli, including at least six other spectacular 1960s vintage Caol Ila.

Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun.com declared this particular bottling one of the greatest whiskies ever bottled, awarding it 96 points, and suggesting someone should contact UNESCO about it.

Laphroaig 1969 Gordon and MacPhail Celtic Label / Donini Import

An exceptionally rare bottle, this is a 1969 vintage bottling of Laphroaig from Gordon & MacPhail.

This is part of the Celtic Label series, an Italian exclusive range bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for Italian importers Giuseppe Meregalli, Donini and Nadi Fiori's Intertrade.

This is a Donini bottling from 1985, one Donini's last before Meregalli acquired the sole distribution license for Gordon & MacPhail later that year.

The 1968 vintage from this series was awarded an epic 97 points by Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun.com.

Laphroaig 1970 Samaroli

A truly legendary Laphroaig, distilled in 1970 and bottled in 1986 by R.W. Duthie for Silvano Samaroli.

Samaroli is perhaps Italy's most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, and an eye for aesthetics (if not English spelling at times!), he is regarded by many as a visionary. Many of his bottles now occupy deserved sports on the pantheon of whisky greats.

Emmanuel Dron, whisky collector and owner of the Auld Alliance bar has stated that, \"if I had to bring only one bottle to a desert island, it would be [this] Laphroaig 1970 bottled in 1986.\" This is part of the 'Distillery Drawing' collection of Laphroaig bottlings from Samaroli, which includes the legendary 1967 Sherry Cask.

Bottle number 125 of only 720 produced.

Laphroaig 1965 Intertrade 20 Year Old

A spectacular Laphroaig, part of series of similarly labelled releases from Intertrade that contains several sought after 1960s and early 1970s vintages.

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, a contemporary of Silvano Samaroli and Moon Import's Pepi Mongiardino. His company is perhaps less well known than theirs, but bottled some of the most well-regarded and collectible whiskies on the market.

This was distilled in 1965 and bottled at cask strength as a 20 year old.

Bottle 141 of 171.

Littlemill 1977 Celestial Edition 40 Year Old / Including 5cl

A very well-aged release from the closed Lowland distillery, Littlemill. By all accounts, there isn't a great deal of Littlemill left, so this is as rare as it is old.

Presented in a stunning lacquered box and sued effect slip-case. and includes a 5cl sample and informational booklet.

Bottle number 98 of only 250.

Littlemill 1977 Celestial Edition 40 Year Old / Including 5cl

A very well-aged release from the closed Lowland distillery, Littlemill. By all accounts, there isn't a great deal of Littlemill left, so this is as rare as it is old.

Presented in a stunning lacquered box and sued effect slip-case. and includes a 5cl sample and informational booklet.

Bottle number 144 of only 250.

Laphroaig 1974 Sherry Cask 31 Year Old

A legendary official release of Laphroaig, distilled in 1974 and bottled 31 years later.

This stunning whisky was limited to only 910 bottles and is renowned for its incredible sherry influence.

A highly acclaimed and award-winning whisky, this was given an impressive 95 points from Serge Valentin on WhiskyFun, not to mention its Gold Medal and Non Plus Ultra award from the Malt Maniacs!

Bottle number 448 of 910

Laphroaig 1969 Intertrade 15 Year Old

A spectacular Laphroaig, part of series of similarly labelled releases from Intertrade that contains several sought after 1960s and early 1970s vintages.

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, a contemporary of Silvano Samaroli and Moon Import's Pepi Mongiardino. His company is perhaps less well known than theirs, but bottled some of the most well-regarded and collectible whiskies on the market.

This was distilled in 1969 and bottled at cask strength as a 15 year old.

Laphroaig 14 Year Old circa 1953 / Mackenzie, Elsbach & Co. Import, US

A spectacular old bottling of Laphroaig single malt from the Isle of Islay, which scored an outstanding 95 points on Whisky Fun. 

Aged 14 years and bottled around 1953 for the US market. This was imported by Mackenzie, Elsbach & Co. Inc. of San Francisco. 

With wooden box. 

Please note condition of lot as shown. This bottle shows signs of leakage, Whisky Auctioneer Ltd cannot be held liable for any further leakage/damage caused whilst the bottle is in transit, including lots sent using Risk Free Shipping. Collection is advised.

Linkwood 1938 Sestante 45 Year Old

The Sestante import company was founded in the 1970s by Ernesto Mainardi, and he bottled his first single casks under the name in 1985. Alongside his contemporary, Silvano Samaroli, Mainardi pioneered giving his customers a choice of both standard 40-46% bottlings, and cask strength releases from the same casks. Along with his other brand, Silver Seal, Mainardi's bottlings are incredibly sought after.

These days you rarely see vintages as old as this: pre-WWII Linkwood, distilled in 1938 and bottled by Sestante 45 years later in 1983.

Port Ellen 1979 37 Year Old 17th Release​

The seventeenth edition of the incredibly popular Port Ellen annual releases. Distilled in 1979 and bottled 37 years later in 2017, bottled at cask strength and limited to 2988 bottles, this is bottle 1687.

Port Ellen is the lost jewel in the Islay crown. Closure in 1983 has enabled this distillery to receive a near mythical amount of love and respect. As stocks get thinner on the ground, these bottles become rarer and rarer.

Port Ellen 1979 22 Year Old 1st Release

The first of the incredibly popular Port Ellen annual releases. Distilled in 1979 and bottled 22 years later in 2001 at cask strength.

Port Ellen is the lost jewel in the Islay crown. Closure in 1983 has enabled this distillery to receive a near mythical amount of love and respect. As stocks get thinner on the ground, these bottles become rarer and rarer.

Limited to 6,000 bottles, this is number 1068.

Longrow 1973 First Distillation - Last Cask

Longrow, the peated spirit produced at Springbank was first distilled in 1973. 

This is bottled from the final cask #1723 of that very first distillation year.

Bottle number 144.

Ledaig 1972 Dùsgadh 42 Year Old 

Ledaig, the peaty distillate produced at Tobermory distillery. When often talk about how important vintages can be to the whiskies produced and the reputation these whiskies have today, in Ledaig's case there is no year more important than the 1972.

Tobermory had been mothballed for almost four decades before the distillery was brought back to life in 1972, this incredible vintage bottled at 42 years of age comes from the rebirth of Tobermory/Ledaig, hence the name:  'Dusgadh'  which is Gaelic for awakening. 

The momento card included is made from copper taken from the old stills that produced the spirit within the bottle.

The card entitles the holder to receive a Ledaig 10 Year Old Deanta in 2024, a bottling taken from some of the final spirit produced by the old stills.

Bottle 203 of 500.

Ledaig 1972 Dùsgadh 42 Year Old 

Ledaig, the peaty distillate produced at Tobermory distillery. When often talk about how important vintages can be to the whiskies produced and the reputation these whiskies have today, in Ledaig's case there is no year more important than the 1972.

Tobermory had been mothballed for almost four decades before the distillery was brought back to life in 1972, this incredible vintage bottled at 42 years of age comes from the rebirth of Tobermory/Ledaig, hence the name:  'Dusgadh'  which is Gaelic for awakening. 

The momento card included is made from copper taken from the old stills that produced the spirit within the bottle.

The card entitles the holder to receive a Ledaig 10 Year Old Deanta in 2024, a bottling taken from some of the final spirit produced by the old stills.

Bottle 419 of 500.

Lagavulin 1985 Cask Strength 21 Year Old

A truly legendary Lagavulin, released in 2007 within Diageo's Super Premium selection.

Distilled in 1985 and bottled as a 21 year old at cask strength, this is incredibly highly acclaimed, a must for any Lagavulin collector or drinker - if you haven't tasted this, you should!  

Bottle 5254 of 6642.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old 1970s

Classic Laphroaig from the 1970s. 

Well regarded by those lucky enough to have tasted it.

Lagavulin 1985 Cask Strength 21 Year Old

A truly legendary Lagavulin, released in 2007 within Diageo's Super Premium selection.

Distilled in 1985 and bottled as a 21 year old at cask strength, this is incredibly highly acclaimed, a must for any Lagavulin collector or drinker - if you haven't tasted this, you should!  

Bottle 2521 of 6642.

Ladyburn - Rare Ayrshire 1974 Signatory Vintage 44 Year Old Cask Strength / 30th Anniverary

Rare Ayrshire is a rare release from this unusual single malt distillery.  

Produced at Girvan distillery, Ladyburn/Rare Ayrshire was only operational for 9 years between 1966 and 1975.  

This was distilled on 10th May 1974 and then matured in bourbon barrel #2606 until bottling on 8th of June 2018 for the 30th anniversary of Signatory Vintage.

Signatory Vintage were established in 1988 by Andrew Symington and are one of Scotland's most prolific independent bottlers. Their offices and bottling facility are located next to Edradour distillery, which they have also owned since 2002.

Set 65 of 122, all of which include two branded Glencairn glasses.

Port Ellen 1979 32 Year Old 12th Release

The twelfth edition of the incredibly popular Port Ellen annual releases.  Distilled in 1979 and bottled 32 years later in 2012, bottled at cask strength.

Port Ellen is the lost jewel in the Islay crown. Closure in 1983 has enabled this distillery to receive a near mythical amount of love and respect. As stocks get thinner on the ground, these bottles become rarer and rarer.

Limited to 2,964 bottles, this is bottle 906.

Longrow 1974 25 Year Old

A very highly regarded bottling of Longrow, the peated spirit produced at Springbank distillery.

Old Weller Original 107 Barrel Proof 7 Year Old 1960s / Stitzel-Weller

W L Weller is the original wheated bourbon, produced at the famous Stitzel-Weller distillery by the legendary Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle I.

Bottled in the late-1960s, likely sometime after the death of 'Pappy' as he is immortalised for the first time on a Weller label here, with William Larue Weller on the left hand side. pappy's son, Julian II is noted as the proprietor on the label and box, he assumed control in 1964.

Nowadays Weller is produced by the Sazerac company at Buffalo Trace, and these old Stitzel-Weller bottlings have become increasingly sought after.

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Family Reserve

The oldest release as part of the 'Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve' series of bourbons.  

Matured for an incredible 23 years, this is now one of the most desirable, collectable and stunning Bourbon whiskeys in the world. This is a 2016 bottling.

Bottle number H3338. 

The bottle laser code is obscured by an import sticker. However, we are confident of the bottles authenticity. 

Port Ellen 1978 34 Year Old 13th Release

The thirteenth edition of the incredibly popular Port Ellen annual releases. Distilled in 1978 and bottled 34 years later in 2014, bottled at cask strength.

Port Ellen is the lost jewel in the Islay crown. Closure in 1983 has enabled this distillery to receive a near mythical amount of love and respect. As stocks get thinner on the ground, these bottles become rarer and rarer.

Limited to 2958 bottles, this is bottle 180.

Port Ellen 1978 34 Year Old 13th Release 75cl / US Import

The thirteenth edition of the incredibly popular Port Ellen annual releases. Distilled in 1978 and bottled 34 years later in 2014, bottled at cask strength.

Port Ellen is the lost jewel in the Islay crown. Closure in 1983 has enabled this distillery to receive a near mythical amount of love and respect. As stocks get thinner on the ground, these bottles become rarer and rarer.

 Limited to 2,958 bottles, this is bottle number 322.

Old Fitzgerald 1963 Bottled in Bond 6 Year Old 100 Proof / Stitzel-Weller

We don't see vintage Old Fitzgerald very often, so we are particularly excited about this bottle which was distilled in the 'Fall' of 1963 and bottled in 'Fall' 1969.

Distilled at the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery while it was under the management of Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle I, and bottled a few years after his death by his son, Julian Van Winkle II.

Stitzel-Weller was eventually sold in 1972, with the Van Winkle family departing the business in the process.

Old Rip Van Winkle 15 Year Old 1990s

From the Van Winkle range this is a 15 year old at 107 proof. Absolutely stonking!

This was bottled in the late 1990s by Julian Van Winkle III at Old Commonwealth distillery (formerly known as Hoffman). Van Winkle moved the bottling of the Old Rip Van Winkle brand there following the death of his father in 1981. He reached an agreement with Buffalo Trace in 2002 that saw production and the remaining Van Winkle stock transferred there. The Old Rip Van Winkle 15 year old was discontinued shortly after, in 2004, and replaced by the familiar Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve of the same age.

Bottle number K9737.

Port Ellen 1978 31 Year Old 10th Release 

The tenth release of this famed Limited Edition series from Diageo. Port Ellen is the lost jewel in the Islay crown. Closure in 1983 has enabled this distillery to receive a near mythical amount of love and respect. As stocks get thinner on the ground, these bottles become rarer and rarer.

Distilled 1978 and bottled in 2010.

This is bottle 1618 of only 3000.

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Family Reserve

The oldest release as part of the 'Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve' series of bourbons.  

Matured for an incredible 23 years, this is now one of the most desirable, collectable and stunning Bourbon whiskeys in the world. This is a 2016 bottling.

Bottle number J6077. 

Bottle code: L180610107:27N